Last Thursday we hosted a digital field trip with Northwest VEG. They are an amazing non-profit that offers all kinds of education, they create positive change, and help to build a stronger community and environment. I mean who doesn’t want to be a part of something like that! Please check out their website to see what they are up to!
We feel so lucky to have collaborated with them. Northwest VEG really understands the importance of sanctuaries and how crucial it is to educate people of all ages about the values that sanctuaries hold. I personally really loved working with them because they are such kind people, they’re respectful of the chimps, their needs, and our boundaries. As a sanctuary we rarely have public visits, especially now with COVID-19 we are not doing any visits. If you are not familiar with our philosophy on visits you can check out our website. This opportunity was very special and the participants asked a lot of hard questions and fun ones too.
My favorite question asked was, “What is the best part of the sanctuary?”. This may sound like an easy question. However, this was a hard question that I don’t think I gave justice to. There is so much that goes into that answer. Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest allows for the chimps to have freedom and choices, which are two things that humans took away. We all know humans took so much and that this is not their natural life, nor should it be. So I guess we could start there. They get to have choices. Another aspect is to see the chimps’ resiliency and watch the chimps grow as individuals. For example, Annie is now a much more bold and confident chimp. She sometimes swipes food from the other chimps and isn’t as afraid to test the waters and see if she can climb the social ladder. Foxie, for all the things she is unsure of, has become more brave than ever. She climbs and explores unfamiliar structures, and though blankets are one thing she won’t conform to, her love for dolls has expanded. One example that makes my heart happy and hurt all at the same time is Willy B going outside onto the new courtyard, an extension of Young’s Hill. He is getting more comfortable every day! It is something to celebrate and also if you think about it, that is something he should have never had to fear. Though we can never give them the life they should have had in the wild, we hope this is close.
If you want to have an experience like this one look out for our online auction, HOOT! 2020 on Saturday, September 12th, where you will be able to bid on a virtual tour of CSNW!
Most of my photos today are of Jamie. I hope you enjoy!
Jamie was having a very good day. I received my new cleaning boots yesterday from a very kind donor! They are the same pattern, octopus, just with less holes. Jamie, being the encyclopedia of boots noticed right away!
And Jamie approved. Though, her favorites are still Diana’s blue whale ones.
She is a very observant individual.
<3
Then there was Burrito.
A few days ago this is how I found Burrito nesting.v
This is a photo of Jody and her sweet heart shaped brow ridge.
Willy B has been nesting on the ground with some very plush blankets lately.
Mave nesting under the food chute.
Honey B. I just love this photo. You can see the intensity in her eyes.
I thought I would share some cattle pictures, just because.
Betsy.
Meredith.
Nutmeg.
And Honey.
I will leave you all with a photo I just took before closing up the chimp house for the night. It is a photo of Burrito and Jody nesting next to each other on a bench in the front rooms. Jody spent 15 minutes making her nest perfect. Burrito gathered 3 blankets and put one over his head. Goodnight everyone!
Ah, my sweet goofballs, I love them all. I always enjoy the bovine pictures too.
Kelsi, I loved this post. LUV! (Northwest VEG looks like an amazing organization, thanks for mentioning them). Do the chimps and cows ever take a bad photo?! I love each and every image.
Jamie: I am over the moon for that first image of her (I am always over the moon for Jamie). Burrito: I squealed when I saw him (or didn’t see him!) under the pink polka-dot blanket. How did you ever know someone was in that pile?! Jody: Makes me want to delicately touch all those little wispy hairs on her heart shaped brow. Willy B: Just dreamy! Mave: Now that’s one sneaky smart positioning. Any chance she chose this spot right before goodies were being served? : ) Honey B: Focused! Betsy: Looks like Willy B isn’t the only one who likes to bask in his reflection. Meredith: Did you tell her to “Say Cheese”?! Love this image. Those teeth are perfect. Nutmeg: Like Chad’s photo of Jody yesterday, I love the composition. Who is that under Nutmeg’s ear? Honey: looks like Honey is trying to gaze at herself in the reflection of the camera too! You gotta love fuzzy cow ears and long eyelashes. And the final photo of Burrito and Jody made my entire insides melt. I know I have said this before but what a privilege it must be to be able to watch the chimps prepare for bedtime and then see them all in their safe, cozy nests, falling asleep, in the quiet, as you leave. To whisper “Goodnight, sweet dreams” knowing you played a part in the peace and security that comes with that night nest. That’s a wonderful part of sanctuary too. The freedom to sleep peacefully, close to a friend or all on your own, with no fears, knowing deep inside you are safe and loved and tomorrow will be another good day.
Kathleen: I love reading your comments as much as i love reading these daily entries from CSNW. There is usually nothing I can add because you say it all … and so perfectly.
: ) Right back at you Elaine. I too love reading everyone’s comments. This blog is the most wonderful place to visit everyday! Happiness and hope live here.
I agree whole-heartedly that Kathleen says what I would say.. and so perfectly. And I ditto Kathleen (on everything) particularly that “‘This blog is the most wonderful place to visit everyday! Happiness and hope live here.” It’s my happy place 🙂
Well, of course she was in a good mood! Look at that bright, happy smile!
Wow, Kelsi, Burrito using blankets on the regular!!! I knew he had started some time back, but didn’t realize it had become a regular thing! Well, if he’s going to learn from anyone, it’s Jo!
Meredith has a lovely smile. Burrito’s earnest face is so sweet it breaks my heart.
Great post!!
Very nice blog. I am so happy Willy B. is getting more adventurous. This might not be
the wild, as it should be, however it is soooo wonderful to see them “be free” compared
to what they had before they came to the sanctuary. So very happy for CSNW and who
they are and what they do. Congratulations to YOU.